These Streets...

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Ok, so now I'm awake again....but it's now after 8am and I can see the sun thru the curtains, so much for an early start! A quick bite to eat and I'm packed and off.
Maybe setting off for Bangkok at this time will be less busy, hopefully everyone is in work by now....Maybe not, it would appear that most of the residents have also had a lie in and seem to be in a rush now to get to work....how inconvenient!
Having packed the bike for the first time is always a worry that everything is screwed together and the weight is distributed fairly. Turning left down Lat Krabang road with 20km into the city to do I remember how horrendous the traffic can be and ride nervously, trying to avoid pot holes, mopeds, dogs, people, trucks that all seem to want to end my life early. After a mile or so I sort of relax and get into the groove, you have to cut your own groove here with elbows and knees out making you a bigger target but giving yourself a few more inches of life. I start to think that if I get pinged now it would be a shame, as I pass a sign for a hospital....maybe I will visit it later?
I have memorised the route from maps, as last time I took the train, and now I'm getting braver. With one finger on the brake lever it's just a matter of keeping going, go with the flow and don't be indecisive. If there is a gap, fill it or 3 guys on mopeds and a small van will. As I get closer I start to wonder about the route, I don't need to, just keep going,,,it's getting hotter, more fumes and even more traffic, still I'm now as good as they are....on a push-rod!
At Lumphini Park a wall of tyres and sandbags block the 6 lanes of the main road Rama1V with protesters camped and barriers that let only people and blokes on push bikes thru. Now in the temporary pedestrianised area a massive sound system and screen inform the listeners seated on the road what's happening in the political strife of the city. I stop to wonder but then press on - I need to find Hualamphong railway station. Again, I needn't worry as I get to a massive roundabout and recognise the building in front of me.....how good am I?
It's only 11am and inside I easily buy a ticket for a sleeper train to Hat Yai leaving at 15.10. Time for a coffee. A local bobby admires my bike and whips out his iPhone to show me his bike, then offers to look after it while I go upstairs for a Black Canyon Iced Coffee....
Personal bike security
Hualamphong station, Bangkok
All in a days work..




Previous blog post title inspired by...Feeder.... - MED : 2 points
I remember seeing these Welsh rockers in Llandudno of all places....a good mosh to this song was had by all as I remember.

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